ScoutPro is a widely known website used by fantasy football addicts to assist with their start/sit advice. But after glancing at the website, I bet you’d be surprised to learn that the founder of the website is a woman by the name of Diane Bloodworth from Atlanta, Georgia.
Having personally used ScoutPro this season (and honestly seeing amazing results as I’m ranked at least top 5 in all 4 leagues), I automatically assumed it was run by a team of male nerds huddled up in their basements with no social life. And how quickly I became the definition of “you know what happens to people who assume.”
Diane is no stranger to the male dominated world of sports as she has spent over 25 years in another male dominated industry – the tech industry. Her skills in tech led directly to founding one of the out there for the billion dollar fantasy football industry.
Hit the jump to see Diane’s interview, how ScoutPro will eventually take over the world and how she became a football fan to begin with.
GUYSGIRL: HOW LONG HAVE YOU PLAYED FANTASY FOOTBALL?
Diane: Actually, I have only played fantasy football for a couple of years. I love sports and have been especially passionate about football my entire life. I initially developed scoutPRO for football coaches and did a “pivot” to target the fantasy football market.
HOW DID YOU MANAGE YOUR LINEUP BEFORE DEVELOPING scoutPRO?
My interest and experience with fantasy football started after developing scoutPRO.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO GET STARTED WITH THE WEBSITE scoutPRO?
I wanted to combine my business and technology experience with my passion for sports.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY AT THE OFFICE LOOK LIKE FOR THOSE BEHIND SP?
During the preseason and season, it is rather hectic. We are busy making sure that content is current and that our player projections are updated every week after the Monday game. We respond to customer emails, manage social media and provide email newsletters to our subscribers. The scoutPRO team is always looking for ways to improve our accuracy and user experience. In fact, we are now designing a fantasy baseball app.
HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU HAVE ON YOUR TEAM MANAGING THE UPDATES?
Initially, being able to rate the majority of NFL players and update them every week was a daunting task. We have been able to set rules and parameters in our software to automate many of the updates. We have two high stakes fantasy football players who work part-time to update and review the data.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It makes my day to get an email from a user that we have helped. I hold my breath to see where we are each week in the accuracy rankings and I am thrilled when we get it right. I really like working with my team — our current team (of guys) are outstanding.
WHAT IS THE WORST PART?
I don’t like having unhappy customers. I am a big believer in building a loyal customer base. I want our team to be very responsive to any issues that impact our users. It makes me crazy if we are having problems with the scoutPRO site.
OKAY, NOW FOR SOME NFL FEMALE FAN QUESTIONS! FAVORITE TEAM?
Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Bulldogs (we southerners love college football!)
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A NFL FAN? WHERE DID YOUR PASSION START?
As long as I can remember. I am a daddy’s girl who grew up watching NFL football with my dad (and still enjoy watching and talking football with him).
HOW DO YOU WATCH YOUR FAVOURITE TEAM?
Season ticket holder, watch at home, with friends at a bar, etc…I attend most of the Georgia Bulldog games — there is nothing like being there in person. Since I spend all day on Saturday at the tailgate and game, I usually watch the Falcons at home on Sunday — but I make it to some Falcons games as well. If I am watching a game with friends or at a bar, I really do not have patience for “chatty” people. I want to watch the game.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT FOOTBALL SEASON?
The chills I get when I see my team run out onto the field.
WHAT TEAM DO YOU HATE THE MOST?
Not really a fan of the J-E-T-S
WOULD YOU EVER DATE SOMEONE WHO WASN’T A NFL FAN? WHAT IF THEY WERE AN AVID FAN OF YOUR MOST HATED RIVAL?
Absolutely not — I only date men who are football fans. I have gotten into trouble for correcting the men in my life about something that occurs in a game. However, I would have trouble dating an avid fan of my most hated rival.
WHAT IS YOUR FONDEST MEMORY ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE TEAM?
Lots of great memories of big wins and close games. I don’t have one particular memory that stands out. The Falcons have been really fun to watch the past few years.
WHAT IS THE GREATEST MOMENT AS A FAN THAT YOU HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED?
I watched Knowshown Moreno hurdle over several players to score a touchdown and it was unbelievable.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE GAME TO PLAY WHILE TAILGATING/WATCHING A FOOTBALL GAME?
I really enjoy socializing at the tailgates. I don’t play games while watching the game — I focus on the game.
WHAT IS THE BEST FOOD YOU HAVE EVER HAD AT A FOOTBALL GAME/SPORTS BAR/FRIEND’S HOUSE WHILE A FOOTBALL GAME IS ON?
I like all of the ‘bad for you foods’ like nachos, fries, etc. The Georgia Dome has some really good food concessions.
WHAT IS YOUR DRINK OF CHOICE WHILE WATCHING A FOOTBALL GAME?
It varies. I think beer and football go together.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO WEAR TO A FOOTBALL GAME?
Well, you have to wear the team colors. I like to dress up — I don’t just wear a jersey.
IF YOU CAN ONLY TAKE THREE THINGS INTO A FOOTBALL GAME, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
I just need my ticket and my glasses (for distance vision to ensure that I don’t miss anything).
BIG thanks to Diane for answering all of our questions. You can connect with Diane on Twitter and Facebook. And be sure to check out ScoutPro for all your fantasy football advice. Trust me, it’s WELL worth it!
